“Nerina” Bianco Etna DOC 2024

Girolamo Russo | Sicily
Az. Agr. Giuseppe Russo | Via Regina Margherita 79 | IT 95012 Castiglione di Sicilia

19240124 · 0,75 l · 48,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Above the cellar walls of Passopisciaro lives a woman whose stories are older than the centuries-old vines she can see from her window every day. Nerina Russo, mother of Giuseppe and widow of the late Girolamo, is more than just the namesake of this extraordinary white wine – she is the living heart of a family that has given Etna all its devotion. At harvest time, when their famous dishes mingle the flavours of the kitchen with those of the fermenting grapes, it becomes clear that wines are made here out of love, not just passion. Giuseppe has created a monument to his father with the winery, but has dedicated the wine that perhaps best expresses the essence of his family to his mother. Nerina embodies the soul of the Sicilian white wine tradition – a harmonious union of all the autochthonous grape varieties of Etna, which once thrived together in the mixed vineyards of the Contrade. Seventy per cent Carricante forms the backbone, while thirty per cent Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, Minnella and Coda di Volpe provide the multi-layered complexity that can only come from centuries-old winemaking wisdom.

Between 650 and 750 metres above sea level, the vines are rooted in the black volcanic soil, where cool nights and sunny days give the wine the crystalline minerality that makes Nerina such an exceptional expression of the terroir. After eight days of fermentation in used barriques and a short 24-hour skin maceration, the wine matures for six months in wood before spending a further two months in stainless steel and finally at least six months in the bottle to find its final harmony. In the glass, it shines in a warm straw yellow colour with golden reflections, the bouquet tells a sensual journey through the aromas of Etna: ripe lemons and white peaches with delicate smoky notes, white flowers and the characteristic minerality of volcanic origin. Salty freshness with a creamy texture on the palate – a wine of impressive verticality and elegance, with a long final that is more than impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2024 Etna Bianco Nerina is thoroughly flavoursome with lemon zest complemented by rosemary and ginger. It is reassuringly round and smooth with sweet green melon and herbal tones carried by a fresh acidity. The palate is completely refreshed, finishing clean and crisp, while the pretty inner flowers fade slowly on the finish." Vinous

"The Girolamo Russo 2024 Etna Bianca Nerina opens with grassy notes and flavours of the wild chamomile that grows on the slopes of Mount Etna. The wine is balanced and not too fresh in this warm vintage, but with a nice sense of easy-drinking fruit and accessibility." Wine Advocate

"An intense, lively and aromatic wine full of broom flowers, showing grapefruit, straw and apples. It has a fruit sweetness, crisp acidity and a light to medium body. The lush palate has good length and a toasty finish." James Suckling